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Italian government pass law giving match officials same level of protection as police officers with fans and players warned violence will lead to time behind bars

<p>Following a rise in cases of assault against referees, the Italian government modified its penal code on Friday (June 20) to give match officials the same legal protection afforded to police officers and other public officials. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Junior justice minister Andrea Ostellari said, via <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cy0wl0716xwo" target="_blank">BBC Sport</a>: "Sport is loyalty and sharing. Those who do not accept it are warned: from tomorrow, violent behaviour and aggression against referees will be punished without delay, even with prison."</p>

WHAT THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT SAID

<p>The law change means the culprits could face harsher penalties for pushing, hitting, or threatening match officials. The government has been in talks with the Italian Soccer Referees Association since December, and now perpetrators could be jailed for their actions.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>This comes off the back of Serie A referees saying there had been a rise in the abuse they had been subjected to this season. Individuals may now think twice when targeting officials going forward.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Italian government pass law giving match officials same level of protection as police officers with fans and players warned violence will lead to time behind bars | Goal.com

Individuals who commit acts of violence against football officials in Italy could face jail time after a law change from the government.